Selling San Antonio

It's hard to believe this is actually a thing, but yes, the National Government is closed.  Everyone has a different opinion on why, so I am not going to get into that. I will say they've got things a little backwards.  They should be making sure that our troops and their families are getting paid, not Congress...  But what do I know?  I am just a Realtor.  Here's hoping they get this all figured out by February 1st. But- back to the topic I am supposed to be talking about.... How is this government shutdown going to affect buyers and sellers? The IRS- During a real estate transaction, tax returns and tax certificates are needed.  The employees who are still lucky enough to be working will have a million other essential obligations they are trying to tackle, and processing mortgage documents will not likely be near the top of the list.  That would mean that a transaction would essentially need to be put on hold until the do...

What is the difference between renting and buying?  Lets lay out the important factors and differences in Renting VS Buying, as well as the cost/return associated with each. We will start with the important stuff!   Dolla Bills y'all. Renting a Home Deposit-       $1,200 Rent-           $1,200 1 Year Cost- $15,600 Return-            0$ You might get back your deposit if you're lucky. How many years have you been renting? 5?  $72,000.00 That's if the rent doesn't go up every year. That's not a lot of this.                                           But probably more of this.                       Buying a Home With First Time Buyer Program/0$ Down...

Between 77% and 99% of home buyers start their search online, depending mostly on their generation.  That means the first glimpse they get of your home will be through photographs and a short message about your home.  This might be through social media, a home website, email, advertisement, the list goes on...  The fact is that the listing, the pictures, the information out there need to be accurate and actually GOOD. Number one is photography.  These pictures are going to be what draws someone to buy your home.  Something as simple as the lighting being off can turn people away.  People like pretty things.  Shiny things.  Nice things.  So make that first impression the best that you can. First off- Start with a professional photographer. The cost is minimal in comparison to the return. After all, the more exposure you get for your home, the more buyers looking, and the more people sending you offers.  When offers are compet...

It's that time of year again!      Time to file for your tax exemptions.  The fun stuff right?  Well, at least it will save you a little money.  It could even lower your monthly mortgage payments! It's not too difficult.  Just make sure you have a copy of your ID with your home address on it, and fill out an application with the county you live in.  The applications are available at your local tax office, or on the websites here: Bexar County 210.224.8511 www.bcad.org Comal County 830.625.8597 www.comalad.org Guadalupe County 830.303.3313 www.guadalupead.org Medina County 830.741.3035 www.medinacountytx.org Bandera County 830.796.3039 www.banderaproptax.org Kendall County 830.249.8012 www.kendallad.org Hays County 512.268.2522 www.hascad.org How much money can you save?  How does it work? The current homestead exemption in Texas is $15k.  This means that if your home is appraised at $100k, you will be ...

I know the frustrations all too well. Your dream home comes on the market.  It's PERFECTLY in your price range.  And beautiful.  Maybe it's been updated with granite counter tops, maybe brand new wood floors, maybe it has that big back yard you've been looking for.  You look it over, LOVE it and wait till you and your husband are together to show him this amazing home.   He loves it too. You talk all night about where you are going to put your furniture.  Which kid will go in which room.  Check out the schools, the teachers, your neighbors.  It's HOME. So the next morning you call the Realtor, tell her how much your family loves this home and how long you've been waiting on it.  And guess what? It's under contract. This happens all too often in the market right now.  Inventory is low (Seller's Market), but interest rates are still low (Buyer's Market?) which causes this frenzy of buyers to perfect homes tha...